Presentations and Conferences

What Should I Be? An Operator’s Guide to Food Hub Structure
This presentation discusses the different business structures available to food hub operators and their effects on operations, such as tax liability, capital acquisition, risk management, and growth opportunities. The wide variety of structures through which a hub can organize under include multiple tax designations, legal structures, and operational models, leading to a system in which businesses can pick and choose organizational structures which best suit their needs and situation.

Presenter: James Matson
Presented at the 2016 National Good Food Network Conference
Atlanta, Georgia. March, 2016.

From Barley to Beer: A Guide for On Farm Brewing
This presentation looks at the growing craft brewing industry and gives an overview to some of the main factors needed in starting up a small brewing company. Information such as malting practices, industry overview, startup processes, and financial expectations are included to provide a guideline to the beginner small brewer.

Presenter: James Matson
Presented at the 2016 National Small Farm Conference
Virginia Beach, Virginia. September 20-22, 2016.

What Intermediate Food Buyers Are Looking For
This presentation discusses the different factors which food buyers look for from potential suppliers. This information is key to producers who are looking to grow their buyer base, or new growers who need to know what to do to attract larger scale buyers.

Federal Grants: What to do?
In this presentation, James Matson discusses Federal Grants and important information to keep in mind before and during an application process. By learning about the available grants and the grant process, individuals and businesses can be more prepared for what this process entails.

The Million Dollar Question: What is break-even and viability for different food hub models?
In this National Good Food Network webinar, James Matson and Jim Barham explore the “magic numbers” for different food hub models reaching profitability and true viability. Hypothetical food hub models in this presentation are wholesale, retail, and hybrid models. By evaluating these hubs, you can determine how finances may change as certain parameters are adjusted.

Getting the Margin to Meet the Mission Audio
The audio clip above features a plenary session that was held in Raleigh, NC on March 27. The session focuses on food hub viability and presents a panel of food hub operators and consultants who discuss the operating strategies of food hubs and how increasing financial viability can make their desired community impact become a reality that can be sustained in the coming years.

Multi-Stakeholder Benefits and Opportunities Audio
The audio clip above is from the Multi-Stakeholder Benefits and Opportunities workshop that was held in Raleigh, NC on March 28. It features a panel of food hub operators who discuss the challenges, incentive structures, and the information flow associated with multi-stakeholder food hubs.